Linn C. Lundstrom

Lynwood C. Lundstrom (Linn) was born August 18, 1921 in McPherson County, Kansas to Edward C and Hulda Christine (Nordin) Lundstrom . The youngest of three children, Linn lived his early years on a farm east of Lindsborg, Kansas and attended his first 2 years of school in Lindsborg. Around age 8, the family moved to Salina and he completed the rest of his schooling in Salina. He graduated from Salina High in 1940.

Linn’s father passed away unexpectedly in 1937 when Linn was only 15. He completed his education while working full time equivalent jobs, in an effort to help support his mother. He had a chance to play college football, but had to decline the scholarship because he could not afford the books.

Linn served in Europe in WW II as a Staff Sergeant in the 95th Infantry Division, Company H. On June 13, 1945 he was awarded the Bronze Star for “heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy from Nov 13,1944 – Dec 19,1944 in the vicinity of Thionville, France and Ensdorf, Germany”.

While on leave from the army, he married Ione Tinkler on March 16,1944 in Salina, Kansas. To this union, two children were born; Dana Lynn and Gregory Scott.

After his discharge from the army, Linn and Ione settled in McPherson, Kansas where he started a lifelong career in agribusiness. In 1957 the family moved to Lindsborg, Kansas where he worked for Evan’s Grain Company and eventually became the manager. While in Lindsborg Linn was active in the community. He served as a Lindsborg Councilman in the early 1960’s, served on the Hyllningsfest committee and was co-chair in 1965, was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, and an active member of the Lindsborg Golf Course.

In 1968 the family moved to McPherson where Linn managed the McPherson Coop. Eventually he and his brother, Bud, bought Western States Gas and Supply (a fertilizer, feed and propane business).

In McPherson, Linn and Ione were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Linn and Ione enjoyed 41 years together until her passing in 1985.

In 1986, Linn married Elaine Peterson. Together they enjoyed retirement and the warm sun of the Rio Grande Valley where they would spend winters. In the summer months they settled on her farm south of Lindsborg where Linn enjoyed farm life and raising cattle.

After Elaine’s passing in 1998, Linn moved to the Rio Grande Valley as a full-time winter Texan. There, he met and married Mona Hamilton. Together they enjoyed the warmth of the valley and missionary work in the bordering town of Progresso, Mexico. Linn and Mona helped organize the building of over 100 houses by various church groups and helped supply food and clothing to the people in the nearby villages.

Linn and Mona moved near Mona’s family in northern Iowa five years ago. He died January 12,2018 in Kanawha, Ia.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan 19 from 6:00-7:00 at the Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg.

Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Saturday, Jan 20 at 11:00. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Linn’s memory to Bethany Lutheran Church (Lindsborg, KS) or the Kanawha Lutheran Church (Kanawha, IA). Memorial contributions may be sent in care of Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.